South Alabama, Presbyterian react to cancellation of games for Florida-LSU

In order to make the rescheduling of last weekend’s Florida-LSU game possible, each team had to cancel its respective Nov. 19 games against non-conference opponents.

LSU was originally scheduled to play South Alabama, while Florida was hosting Presbyterian.

The Tigers will still pay South Alabama $1.5 million as stipulated by the contract.

“Obviously we are extremely disappointed to not have the opportunity to play in Baton Rouge on Nov. 19,” South Alabama athletic director Dr. Joel Erdmann said in a press release. “This disappointment runs throughout our program, including our student-athletes, coaches, the University of South Alabama and all Jaguar fans. We realize this is a very complicated and unique situation. The University of South Alabama — with the assistance of the Sun Belt Conference — did everything reasonable within our power to make the game a reality, including offering to move our Homecoming game to a later date.”

No mention of payment was addressed in Presbyterian’s press release, but a short statement was provided by athletic director Brian Reese.

“We are currently exploring options to play a football game on November 19,” he said.